Rise Up Events

Member Meetings are held to discuss and vote on important matters such as bylaws, policies, and other decisions that guide Rise Up Academy. All members are encouraged to attend as many meetings as possible; however, attendance at a minimum of four meetings is required to maintain voting membership. 

These meetings also include important training and updates for our community. Because Rise Up is a family-centered school, we intentionally schedule a date night every other month immediately following the meeting. This encourages strong participation from dads and ensures their perspectives, voices, and buy-in are part of the community.

A devotional is held each Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and is a meaningful part of Rise Up Academy’s culture. Families rotate responsibility for leading devotionals, creating opportunities for shared leadership and spiritual growth within our community. 

This time allows us to share important announcements and intentionally dedicate our day of learning to God—an opportunity we recognize as both powerful and rare in today’s educational environment. 

Parents are encouraged to inspire their teens to attend and participate in devotions, as this gathering plays an important role in shaping the spiritual tone of our learning community.

Mentor Training is held weekly during Rise Up and is a vital time for growth, connection, and support. During these meetings, mentors review key mentoring principles, debrief classes, share insights, and encourage one another as we work together to support our scholars. 

This class provides space to reflect on what’s working, ask questions, and strengthen both confidence and clarity in mentoring. It is also a time to build community with other mentors, knowing that we are not meant to do this work alone.

The Mom’s Retreat is a dedicated time for all Rise Up moms to come together for connection, renewal, and growth. The retreat includes engaging simulations, meaningful book discussions, creative art projects, and intentional opportunities to build relationships with one another.

While there is space to relax and unwind, the heart of the retreat is to inspire and encourage one another—as mentors, leaders, and individuals. Mom’s Retreat has become a powerful bonding experience and plays an important role in strengthening the culture and sense of community at Rise Up Academy.

This is a family dance where everyone participates—from toddlers to parents. Organized by the Sword and Hero class, the evening celebrates tradition, learning, and community. During the event, current scholars receive their Civil War replica swords as a milestone of their work. Past scholars are invited to bring their swords and hold them in salute, forming a pathway for current scholars to walk through as part of this meaningful rite of passage.

The Shakespeare and Classical Acting productions bring our entire Rise Up community together to support our scholars. These classes help students discover and share their voice as they build confidence, leadership, and collaboration skills throughout the year. 

These performances celebrate their growth and invite families—especially younger students—to envision what is possible in their own journey. Because these productions require significant commitment, please plan late-spring scholar projects carefully and avoid scheduling conflicts with performance dates whenever possible.

Some Scholar Projects may include optional activities that take place outside of regular class time. These experiences are designed to help students bond as a group and move closer to earning project rewards, but participation is not required. Each activity is intentionally planned with clear learning and growth goals. If you have questions or are unsure whether an activity is a good fit for your student, mentors are always happy to share the purpose and vision behind it.

Once a year, our community gathers to honor scholars for their hard work and achievements. This celebration is where scholars receive their rewards, and it also serves to cast vision for younger students by showing them how exciting and meaningful the Scholar Program can be. Families are encouraged to bring everyone and celebrate together!

Park Days run throughout the summer on Thursday mornings and are a great way for families to connect and build community. These gatherings are also the best way to introduce interested families to Rise Up and give them a feel for our culture in a relaxed, welcoming setting.